“You never fail until you stop trying.”- Albert Einstein
Before Taking Positive Psychology my thoughts about the course were to be open-minded about what Positive Psychology had to offer. After taking Psychology last semester I was excited to see what this course was going to be about. Reading the title for the first time I knew that it had to do with bringing positivity in our life, but I did not know how. The only thing I knew before taking Positive Psychology was that I needed to come into the classroom with a clear mind and open up to what the course had to offer.
Finding a new meaning of resilience: bounce back
An Ah-Ha moment for me was learning about resilience. Since serving in the military, resiliency was something that was always mentioned in a classroom or even in the shop. I knew that resiliency meant that you are able to bounce back from a difficult situation and you were able to perform your duties as a soldier or supervisor to the fullest. One thing that I was able to go in-depth about resilience is that it wasn’t just about bouncing back, rather it was about growing stronger as a person. Positive Psychology opened my eyes to accept the circumstances and become a stronger person.
Bouncing back and growing stronger
One thing that I learned about resiliency is that it’s not just about bouncing back, but rather I was growing stronger as a person from whatever it was that I was facing. Resilience is something that I hold deep in my heart because no matter what the situation I know that I can push through all the obstacles and be a stronger human being. We face obstacles every day and I know that I need to stop being afraid of them and approach them face-to-face. You won’t know what you are capable of until you take the risk and find out for yourself. Sure it might be frightening at first but the way I see it is that you will never know what it might bring you until you experience it.
Life risks and being afraid are part of the journey
Serving my country was a risk I took and I was afraid at first, but it was the best decision I ever made. Yes, there were a lot of obstacles along the way and yes I might have fallen down a couple of times but I picked myself right up and kept on going. I used to be afraid of failing because I thought I wouldn’t be able to pick myself up. But I would have never of known if I did not try. I now know that I will not fail unless I give up. We should not be afraid to fall because at the end of the day that is how we learn. One of the quotes that I love and carry with me is, “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or … learn from it.” – Rafiki, The Lion King.
About the author: Diana Meza is a student at Chaminade University pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology. She hopes to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent in the Criminal Investigative Division (CID). She loves dogs and hopes to adopt a puppy.